Row breaks out as fans accuse BBC bosses of 'ruining' Match of the Day as Kelly Cates set to take...

A controversy has emerged as the BBC has named Kelly Cates as one of the three hosts to take over for Gary Lineker on Match of the Day. Fans are claiming that BBC executives are 'destroying' the beloved sports show.

On the other hand, some people have rushed to support the current Sky Sports host, arguing that Cates is the ideal choice for the new role.

Today, MailOnline announced that a well-respected broadcaster, who is the daughter of Liverpool icon Sir Kenny Dalglish, will be joining fellow hosts Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan. The trio will take turns presenting Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2.

Nonetheless, Cates' selection has split football supporters, who have taken to social media to share their thoughts.

On X, which was previously known as Twitter, Chris Jones commented, "That’s the conclusion of MOTOD, complete nonsense driven by wokeness."

Some other X users asserted that the BBC had 'destroyed' the program.

One commenter stated, "The BBC has destroyed it. The greatest aspect of Match of the Day was the playful exchanges among Gary, Alan Shearer, and Ian Wright."

"Where did that go? It would have been much better to stick with Micah Richards, Jermaine Jenas, and either Alan or Ian."

Kelly Cates is departing from Sky to become a presenter for Match of The Day starting next season.

Cates will share the hosting responsibilities with his colleagues Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan (shown in the image). The three of them will step in as hosts once Lineker departs from the program next May.

Cates' appointment has split the opinions of football fans, leading many to express their thoughts on social media.

A user named Christian expressed that it was 'crazy' for Cates to give up her position at Sky Sports in order to host Match of the Day just 'once every three weeks'.

Another X user commented that the new hosts were "really not great," suggesting, "They need a new permanent presenter who has some charisma."

Nonetheless, Cates has garnered appreciation and backing from numerous fans who have embraced the idea of her potential new role.

One user on X commented, "Cates and Logan have a better understanding of football than many guys, so they made solid choices."

Chapman is also a strong speaker.

One person commented, "Kelly Cates is an excellent football host and will be ideal for Match of the Day."

A user named Tony commented: "I have no problems with Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan hosting Match of the Day. They are all excellent presenters for football."

Sky executives are reportedly very upset about the passing of the 49-year-old.

Cates has garnered appreciation and encouragement from numerous fans who have embraced her new role.

Gary Lineker, who has been hosting Match of the Day since 1999, will step down after 26 years in May.

The BBC has pointed her out as the top candidate to take over from Lineker when he departs at the conclusion of the season.

Cates' polished delivery of Sky's Premier League broadcasts and her prior work with the BBC have undoubtedly worked to her advantage.

She frequently appears on Radio 5 Live, previously hosted the show 606, and her joining the team is considered a major win, especially with the increase in live games on Sky coming next season.

It's clear that the three of them share a strong bond and are eager to collaborate. They are around the same age and have progressed in their careers during a comparable timeframe.

In Chapman's situation, dividing the responsibilities allows him to keep pursuing his radio job with the BBC, a role he is clearly enthusiastic about.

People who are familiar with them describe the group as modest, and they have no problems with sharing the spotlight.

Lineker, who started hosting the main BBC show in 1999, replacing Des Lynam, will conclude his tenure after 26 years.

The 63-year-old plans to fully step away from the BBC following the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

BBC executives, led by the new sports director Alex Kay-Jelski, are looking to take the program in a new direction. As Mail Sport has reported, they are thinking about incorporating a news segment into the show.

The BBC stated that it "doesn't engage with speculation." Meanwhile, Sky Sports chose not to provide any comments.